Due to exhausted eligibility, NFL Draft declarations, and transfer departures, several top running backs have left the conference this offseason. However, with former Pac-12 members Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington joining the fray, as well as portal additions, the 2024 Big Ten RB Rankings are as talented as ever.
Big Ten 2024 RB Rankings
10) Nick Singleton, Penn State Cougars
Nick Singleton wasn’t nearly as effective last year as in 2022. Yet, he’s still a force to be reckoned with with the ball in his hands and displayed his receiving skill set in 2023 (26-308-2 line). With a depleted WR corps, that is more valuable than ever for second-year starting quarterback Drew Allar.
9) TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State Buckeyes
TreVeyon Henderson took the nation by storm as a freshman in 2021 but has struggled with injury and consistency since. He was still one of the best backs in the Big Ten last season, rushing for just under 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. His breakaway speed is always a threat in the open field, but sharing the backfield with Quinshon Judkins caps his ceiling significantly in 2024.
8) Jonah Coleman, Washington Huskies
At 5’9″ and 225 pounds, Jonah Coleman is a sentient bowling ball on the move, owning the center of gravity and compact build to stay upright through heavy contact. He followed head coach Jedd Fisch to Washington from Arizona and should pick up where he left off last season.
7) Donovan Edwards, Michigan Wolverines
While Donovan Edwards’s placement here may be surprising to some, this list combines previous performance and potential. Edwards’ potential as Michigan’s RB1 is off the charts. Yet, he wasn’t nearly as efficient as expected last season and couldn’t exhibit the game-breaking speed we were used to.
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If Edwards is 100% in 2024 and receives a Blake Corum workload, he’ll vault into the top five or even three. Until then, he resides at No. 7.
6) Kaytron Allen, Penn State Cougars
Singleton is a weapon in his own right, but Kaytron Allen took the majority of carries in the backfield last year as the more reliable option. His footwork and vision helped him pick up tough yards behind an underperforming offensive line. Although he may not have the same game-altering speed as his teammate, Allen churns through contact and is steady from down to down.
5) Kayron Lynch-Adams, Michigan State Spartans
After declaring for the draft, entering the portal, announcing a return to UMass, and entering the portal once again, 1,000-yard RB Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams wound up at Michigan State. Jonathan Smith and Brian Lindgren needed a new Damien Martinez, as their former Oregon State back joined the Miami Hurricanes instead of the Spartans.
UMass ran gap/power the majority of the time last year, but KLA can thrive in the zone-heavy scheme Lindgren employs due to his start/stop ability and fluid movements behind the LOS.
4) Darius Taylor, Minnesota Golden Gophers
When Darius Taylor was healthy last season, he was Minnesota’s entire offense. Although he only played in six games, he still led the team with 891 all-purpose yards (799 rushing and 92 receiving).
His patience and lateral agility at the line of scrimmage allow him to bounce to the open hole, and his speed and balance generate broken tackles and yards after contact with ease. Taylor returned from injury and showed us a glimpse of the future, setting a freshman record 208 rushing yards against Bowling Green in the Quick Lane Bowl.
3) Jordan James, Oregon Ducks
Bucky Irving was a solid back and is now beginning his NFL career. Jordan James is far superior. He has the agility and top speed to take any touch to the house, but he’s also balanced through contact and rarely loses his momentum.
An entire season as the RB1 could result in a monumental production, especially with Dillon Gabriel, Evan Stewart, and Tez Johnson keeping defenses honest.
2) Kyle Monangai, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Don’t sleep on Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai. He rushed for 1,262 yards and eight TDs, even with defenses knowing he was the offense’s focal point. More impressive?
KEEP READING: 2024 Big Ten Weekly Football Schedule
He didn’t fumble once and held his own in pass pro. Improvement in the passing game would only open up the rushing attack for Monangai to take advantage of with his quick-cut ability.
1) Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State Buckeyes
It just means more for Quinshon Judkins, who posted 1,567 yards and 16 scores as a true freshman in the SEC. His numbers took a minor hit last season, but he still broke innumerable tackles and maximized the space he was given.
Now, playing behind Ohio State’s offensive line, Judkins could mirror his freshman output, even with an elite back in Henderson behind him.
2024 Big Ten RB Rankings | 11-20
11) Roman Hemby, Maryland
12) Nathan Carter, Michigan State
13) Tawee Walker and Chez Mellusi, Wisconsin
14) T.J. Harden, UCLA
15) Jo’quavious Marks, USC
16) Cam Porter, Northwestern
17) Reggie Love III and Devin Mockobee, Purdue
18) Leshon Williams, Iowa
19) Kaden Feagin, Illinois
20) Kaelon Black and Justice Ellison, Indiana
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